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Mar 23, 2011
03/11
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whole future of afghanistan. the secretary was here a careful to say that those to work looking previously at preconditions for discussion have not converted. those preconditions into negotiating objectives. there is no internal disagreement on these particular points. >> you are absolutely right. it is different. we do not represent them, they do not speak for us. i believe that the devastation is on record -- the administration is on record supporting. they have said that several times. they said it here. the thing is, how are you going to do it? i do not think there is anybody who says there is any solution, as it is a political solution. how are you going to do it? these contacts with the taliban, these ideas that are floating around, they're useful. absolutely. at the end of the day, many of you have followed -- it was three years ago in kenya, having left the united nations, having to mitigate the terrible consequences. the most important thing was to demand from everybody that he be the only channel. every
whole future of afghanistan. the secretary was here a careful to say that those to work looking previously at preconditions for discussion have not converted. those preconditions into negotiating objectives. there is no internal disagreement on these particular points. >> you are absolutely right. it is different. we do not represent them, they do not speak for us. i believe that the devastation is on record -- the administration is on record supporting. they have said that several times....
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Feb 7, 2011
02/11
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afghanistan qualified on all three of these points. in that sense, and not -- i think it could be a good analogy with a number. pohichost: here is a tweet. is there any connection between the troops being prone to do these drugs? guest: it is not as great a problem there like in vietnam it is true that some of the isaf soldiers have been using drugs. and did you do -- and they do drug testing. some of these guys literally wand off the reservation after being struck out and are not to be s seen again. >> coming up later today, and panel discussion on the role of white house press secretaries. schedule but dissidents include several former presidential spokespeople -- several participants include former presidential spokespeople. you can see that live here on c- span. >> tonight, on "the communicators," karen evans and timothy car -- karr on the ability of the u.s. to shut down the internet and deborah wheeler on the impact of the internet on the middle east and its contribution to political awareness. tonight on2. -- tonight on c-span2.
afghanistan qualified on all three of these points. in that sense, and not -- i think it could be a good analogy with a number. pohichost: here is a tweet. is there any connection between the troops being prone to do these drugs? guest: it is not as great a problem there like in vietnam it is true that some of the isaf soldiers have been using drugs. and did you do -- and they do drug testing. some of these guys literally wand off the reservation after being struck out and are not to be s seen...
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Aug 31, 2011
08/11
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afghanistan and iraq. the first time i know of we went to war and cut taxes rather than paying our bills. so we use their credit card to get a tax cut and use their credit card to pay for two wars. we use our credit card to expand government spending and it was wrong. then we hit a recession and when barack obama took the oath of office, this nation was losing over 700,000 jobs a month and we had huge, huge deficits. what barack obama then did was suggest government spending, and order to get us out of this recession, which is what most economists would tell you is the right thing to do. further adding to the deficits of this country. it is important to understand how we got to where we were and what happened in washington this past few months. we have a debt ceiling. a debt ceiling is an arbitrary limit as to how much the government can borrow. raising the debt ceiling does not increase one dime of federal spending. not one dime. the spending had already been incurred. the question is whether we were goin
afghanistan and iraq. the first time i know of we went to war and cut taxes rather than paying our bills. so we use their credit card to get a tax cut and use their credit card to pay for two wars. we use our credit card to expand government spending and it was wrong. then we hit a recession and when barack obama took the oath of office, this nation was losing over 700,000 jobs a month and we had huge, huge deficits. what barack obama then did was suggest government spending, and order to get...
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Apr 21, 2011
04/11
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policy on the afghanistan war. we have a very dynamic session with the voices and people that captured not only, i think, the political spectrum, but also the thematic a spectrum of people who have been thinking hard about these issues. i think every one of the people and panelists today is -- the panel, subsequent panel, is somebody who has put themselves out on what i call the constant peer-review process. someone who is objecting themselves to both -- subject himself to both of the applause and critique of many people trying to think about this question of what is the appropriate role of the united states and afghanistan, what is our responsibility, where should we go? we have this morning of every recession. the afghanistan war -- we have this morning of every great session. "the afghanistan war -- a cost benefit review of america's strategic and economic position." my friend thomas pickering, and ambassador to some nations out there. -- to so many nations out there. he was undersecretary of state he was recent
policy on the afghanistan war. we have a very dynamic session with the voices and people that captured not only, i think, the political spectrum, but also the thematic a spectrum of people who have been thinking hard about these issues. i think every one of the people and panelists today is -- the panel, subsequent panel, is somebody who has put themselves out on what i call the constant peer-review process. someone who is objecting themselves to both -- subject himself to both of the applause...
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May 26, 2011
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if you visit the women in afghanistan, if you visit the women of afghanistan, many women in the congress have done, and some of our male colleagues as well, they will tell you whether you're talking about educated women in kabul, but really more relevant to me, poor, poor women in the provinces. i visited a group of women in one province -- a number of provinces and spoken to women there. and the women there say, we really want to educate our daughters eric we want to have access to health care clinics and the rest but we can't have that until we have security and we can't have security until we end corruption. so many things going on in afghanistan that must change. and there will be a better chance of their changing if we make an investment in the civilian side of this transition. whether it's diplomacy, whether it's part of the construction, they tell me not to say reconstruction because not much was there before. construction there, where they're building schools work evisited little girls in school in different parts of afghanistan, very encouraging. our troops know that we have to
if you visit the women in afghanistan, if you visit the women of afghanistan, many women in the congress have done, and some of our male colleagues as well, they will tell you whether you're talking about educated women in kabul, but really more relevant to me, poor, poor women in the provinces. i visited a group of women in one province -- a number of provinces and spoken to women there. and the women there say, we really want to educate our daughters eric we want to have access to health care...
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Dec 8, 2011
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it's not afghanistan. this is a country that has significant wealth, should be all to contribute, that has not been forced to do so in a program is crucial as this. >> i know i've run out of time, that mr. geisel d.o. comments on this? >> well, first of all i am not going to second-guess my friend and colleague on by his people found. and of course the people you need to bring up here are the people from the state department to comment on what he found. i saw that the department published a document, a 21 page document that includes goals and measures of performance for the police development program. but if my friends baby, not nine. thematic thank you very much. i look at five-minute now to mr. welch from vermont. >> thank you very much, mr. labrador. i want to thank each and everyone of you for the terrific work you're doing. a lot of situations here in covering reflect the impossible expectations oftentimes congress has and if it were as easy as writing a check and having police force in iraq and afgha
it's not afghanistan. this is a country that has significant wealth, should be all to contribute, that has not been forced to do so in a program is crucial as this. >> i know i've run out of time, that mr. geisel d.o. comments on this? >> well, first of all i am not going to second-guess my friend and colleague on by his people found. and of course the people you need to bring up here are the people from the state department to comment on what he found. i saw that the department...
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Jul 6, 2011
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>> through the afghanistan constitution, and afghanistan has made huge steps forward. and so knowing president karzai as i do, i know he wouldn't agree to an afghanistan that was miles away from the sort of human rights and development he wants to see progressed. however, i do think we got to have a hierarchy, as it prrks and the hierarchy of need from the u.k.'s point of view is to focus on security and the capacity the afghan government has to secure its own country. otherings things do have to take their place behind that. >> mr. john woodcock. >> the prime minister seems to be guaranteeing that the 12 orders will be ordered, is that right? >> one of the things we made will be ordered. >> mccloud. >> peace and civility in afghanistan, it can't help by leaving a long-term lasting legacy. [inaudible] it's really important for education for all, especially young girls. >> i do agree we want to see a long-term stable afghanistan that cannot be possible from excluding half the population from education. you have a right to cross north afghan in the middle east. you have
>> through the afghanistan constitution, and afghanistan has made huge steps forward. and so knowing president karzai as i do, i know he wouldn't agree to an afghanistan that was miles away from the sort of human rights and development he wants to see progressed. however, i do think we got to have a hierarchy, as it prrks and the hierarchy of need from the u.k.'s point of view is to focus on security and the capacity the afghan government has to secure its own country. otherings things do...
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Sep 29, 2011
09/11
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in afghanistan is been a disaster. and i'm worried about one of your recommendations and that's the head of this new ig. simply because in lots of other areas where we have like a special ig force-iraq we got some good data l of there. a lot of what you know we learned through stewart bolin and a lot of his efforts. but i'm worried about creating another one when we are not managing in afghanistan the ones we have. and so, it is fraught with some difficulty because we are not -- we are not holding somebody to accountability and we haven't. our last ig in my opinion was incompetent, not the one that took geeral fields place but general fields actions didn't measure up at all at any level in the standard of that. so why worry about that and i would like for you to jut comment on why you made that recommendation and how that contrast with holding the institutions we have, the special ig from afghanistan and for iraq and what was done and then i going to share my observations having ben three times to afghanistan and what
in afghanistan is been a disaster. and i'm worried about one of your recommendations and that's the head of this new ig. simply because in lots of other areas where we have like a special ig force-iraq we got some good data l of there. a lot of what you know we learned through stewart bolin and a lot of his efforts. but i'm worried about creating another one when we are not managing in afghanistan the ones we have. and so, it is fraught with some difficulty because we are not -- we are not...
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Mar 17, 2011
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afghanistan. mr. kucinich: mr. speaker, the house is not in order. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is correct. the house is not in order. pursuant to the order of the house of wednesday, march 16, 2011, the concurrent resolution is considered as read. the concurrent resolution shall be debatable for two hours with one hour controlled by the gentleman from ohio, mr. kucinich, or his designee, and one hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the committee on foreign affairs. for what purpose does the gentleman from ohio rise? mr. kucinich: if it's appropriate at this time, i'd like to ask unanimous consent to give the gentleman from north carolina, mr. jones, half of my time. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the gentleman will control half of the time for the gentleman from ohio. the gentlewoman from florida is recognized. ms. ros-lehtinen: thank you, mr. speaker. i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewo
afghanistan. mr. kucinich: mr. speaker, the house is not in order. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is correct. the house is not in order. pursuant to the order of the house of wednesday, march 16, 2011, the concurrent resolution is considered as read. the concurrent resolution shall be debatable for two hours with one hour controlled by the gentleman from ohio, mr. kucinich, or his designee, and one hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the...
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Jun 9, 2011
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no one wants to lose afghanistan. all of us are so mindful of the enormous sacrifices that are military men and women have made in afghanistan and the enormous amount of taxpayer dollars that have been spent. senator brown ask you a question today about what our mission is. you talked about the goal of having afghanistan be a stable state. that is certainly something that i want also. to me, that seems to be a never ending mission. i do not see how we get to a stable state in afghanistan. let me give you an example. a key to our transition in afghanistan, a key to our troops being able to come home is the development of a confident, aggressive afghan security force. we have made a lot of progress in that area. i look at the cost of maintaining the afghan security force. in this year's presidential budget request, is $12.8 billion. the total afghanistan gross domestic product is about $30 billion and 97% of afghanistan's gdp is derived from spending related to international military and donor community presence. when i
no one wants to lose afghanistan. all of us are so mindful of the enormous sacrifices that are military men and women have made in afghanistan and the enormous amount of taxpayer dollars that have been spent. senator brown ask you a question today about what our mission is. you talked about the goal of having afghanistan be a stable state. that is certainly something that i want also. to me, that seems to be a never ending mission. i do not see how we get to a stable state in afghanistan. let...
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Jun 29, 2011
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we will apply those lessons in afghanistan. >> as the military withdrawal from iraq and later afghanistan, ds will provide certain protective services that the military is performing now. such s recovery and explosives and ordinance disposal. however, the military provides many services such as intelligence collection invisible deterrence in ways that they cannot. how will the loss of these important capabilities affect the way they provide security. are they equipped to handle all the function it will be asked to assume? >> i was in iraq several years ago. it is infinitely better than it was at the worst of times in 2005-2007. certain key functions will be absent. notably a counter rocket fire. we are not an offensive units. some intelligent functions as well. as we normalize, we are going to rely in this country. we will rely on the iraqi forces and the iraqi police for these functions to the maximum is seextent we can. .o. recommended the strategic review of diplomatic security mission budget was part of state. did they agree with the recommendation? there is a strategic review. it may
we will apply those lessons in afghanistan. >> as the military withdrawal from iraq and later afghanistan, ds will provide certain protective services that the military is performing now. such s recovery and explosives and ordinance disposal. however, the military provides many services such as intelligence collection invisible deterrence in ways that they cannot. how will the loss of these important capabilities affect the way they provide security. are they equipped to handle all the...
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Jun 23, 2011
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a corner in afghanistan. it is bewilledering to me that yesterday we send a -- bewilledering to me that yesterday we send a message that we're wrapping things up. and it's the beginning of the end. let me ask you, do you believe last night in the president's speech that the taliban was sad to hear what he was saying or that they were happy to hear it? ladies and gentlemen, just as senate majority leader harry reid couldn't have been in a bigger hurry to the access of iraq, he, too, was wrong. we will be proven wrong again. america has a vested interest and seeing an afghanistan that can stand up against terrorism, that can defend itself against terrorists who seeks to overthrow their country, that seeks to overthrow pakistan and can do so with limited u.s. help. that's when we can begin to see victory. or we can just give up. i can tell you that as a soldier -- as a military member and the military members i talked to, we don't want to have to be there another day. but we also don't want to come home in any c
a corner in afghanistan. it is bewilledering to me that yesterday we send a -- bewilledering to me that yesterday we send a message that we're wrapping things up. and it's the beginning of the end. let me ask you, do you believe last night in the president's speech that the taliban was sad to hear what he was saying or that they were happy to hear it? ladies and gentlemen, just as senate majority leader harry reid couldn't have been in a bigger hurry to the access of iraq, he, too, was wrong....
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Mar 16, 2011
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in afghanistan. and rolling stone contributing editor, michael hastings, who recently broke the story about the army using cyops propaganda on u.s. senators, was also there and he made this observation, he said, general petraeus is giving us the charlie sheen counterinsurgency strategy to give exclusive interviews to every major network and keep saying we are winning and hope the public agrees with you. madam speaker, it was a compelling briefing. i hope all of us in the 112th congress will listen to people like professor pate, mr. ho, and mr. hastings, but most of all i hope we'll listen to the american people who are angry, disillusioned, and pleading with us to bring our troops home. they want us to do that so there will be no more staff sar get mark wells' deaths like the young man from congressman poe's district. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the chair recognizes the gentleman from arizona, mr. quayle, for five minutes. mr. quayle: thank you, madam speaker. madam speaker, i rise today t
in afghanistan. and rolling stone contributing editor, michael hastings, who recently broke the story about the army using cyops propaganda on u.s. senators, was also there and he made this observation, he said, general petraeus is giving us the charlie sheen counterinsurgency strategy to give exclusive interviews to every major network and keep saying we are winning and hope the public agrees with you. madam speaker, it was a compelling briefing. i hope all of us in the 112th congress will...
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Jun 8, 2011
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on afghanistan and pakistan. the national security staff, national security team, and, obviously, our personnel, both civilian and military, in the region. we are again very clear right about the challenges in afghanistan, about the progress that has been made, but also about the setbacks we have experienced at various times. i'm not suggesting that we know everything already and therefore do not need outside input. we obviously do and welcome it, but we are not learning a great deal of information about the challenges we face in afghanistan here. all of that is part of how the president has been thinking about afghanistan and pakistan since he got into office and even before. it was all part of how he viewed the process when he settled on the strategy he is and limiting now, and i would go back to what i said before. emblem of the drawdown, beginning the drawdown is and limiting the policy he decided on in december 2009. it is not a change. it is exactly what he said he would do. there is a certain amount of con
on afghanistan and pakistan. the national security staff, national security team, and, obviously, our personnel, both civilian and military, in the region. we are again very clear right about the challenges in afghanistan, about the progress that has been made, but also about the setbacks we have experienced at various times. i'm not suggesting that we know everything already and therefore do not need outside input. we obviously do and welcome it, but we are not learning a great deal of...
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Oct 27, 2011
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strategy on afghanistan and pakistan. on c-span2, kenneth feinberg talks about the implementation of the pp compensation fund. -- the bp compensation fund. and on c-span3, home and security secretary janet nepalitano talks about immigration policy and security -- , and security. >> every weekend on a "american history tv," the people and events that document the country. .here'll be a panel discussion look for the complete we can schedule at c-span.org/history. or for the schedule in your in box, click the c-span alert button. this week on c-span2, general mcvet -- general westmoreland lead euna states army forces during be a bomb. adis killing of the unraveling of the auto industry >> earlier today, the house approved two bills dealing with the federal tax code. one repeals a 3% government federal withholding on contractor payments from the government. it passed. there is a measure that effectively pays for that but also passed. here is a look at that debate now. it runs 45 minutes. y consume. the speaker pro tempore: th
strategy on afghanistan and pakistan. on c-span2, kenneth feinberg talks about the implementation of the pp compensation fund. -- the bp compensation fund. and on c-span3, home and security secretary janet nepalitano talks about immigration policy and security -- , and security. >> every weekend on a "american history tv," the people and events that document the country. .here'll be a panel discussion look for the complete we can schedule at c-span.org/history. or for the...
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Jul 6, 2011
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i just returned from a trip to afghanistan. i cannot describe how impressed i am with the commitment, the dedication and the work carried out every single day by our men and women in uniform and those in the civilian services. i met and spoke with them in kabul, bases and air force bases and small villages. quite simply, they are incredible. but over and over and over again, i heard the same message, this is not sustainable. the strategy that we are pursuing in afghanistan is not sustainable and it is costing us too much in human lives and financial resources to continue. it can't continue for another 18 months as called for by the president, let alone even longer. i stand here tonight more convinced than ever that it is time to forge a new path, a new strategy, built upon past and present accomplishments and more aggressively focused on reducing the military footprint in afghanistan than the plan described by the president last month, accelerating the transition of combat operations and intense international and regional effor
i just returned from a trip to afghanistan. i cannot describe how impressed i am with the commitment, the dedication and the work carried out every single day by our men and women in uniform and those in the civilian services. i met and spoke with them in kabul, bases and air force bases and small villages. quite simply, they are incredible. but over and over and over again, i heard the same message, this is not sustainable. the strategy that we are pursuing in afghanistan is not sustainable...
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May 3, 2011
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the one looking at afghanistan. hope to resolve that and take you back over to the hearing momentarily. u.s. house come in for their general speeches this morning. as we mention add moment ago we will come back at noon. two bills today, repealing mandatory funding for two programs established by the health care law. over in the senate today, general speeches but we might see some possible debate and vote on a resolution commending u.s. forces and the intelligence community for their successful operation in bringing about the death of osama bin laden. we mentioned that senate foreign relations committee, that's on the situation in afghanistan. there will be a hearing later this afternoon on the house side, homeland security subcommittee looking at the security threat from pakistan. particularly in the wake of the killing of osama bin laden. that's coming up at 2:00. that will be live on our companion network, c-span3. we'll take you back live now over to senate foreign relations. >> about the performance of our troop
the one looking at afghanistan. hope to resolve that and take you back over to the hearing momentarily. u.s. house come in for their general speeches this morning. as we mention add moment ago we will come back at noon. two bills today, repealing mandatory funding for two programs established by the health care law. over in the senate today, general speeches but we might see some possible debate and vote on a resolution commending u.s. forces and the intelligence community for their successful...
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Nov 23, 2011
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we have intensified activities in afghanistan. we got some operational results and we are on a draw down there. i think he has handled and worked his way through this pretty well. we need to be looking long-term as the united states. we need to strengthen our economy. we need to bring jobs and prosperity back to america because ultimately america's strength and influence in the world rests more on our economy than it does on the men and women in uniform. >> analyst will say that a number of major policy years -- president obama has continued many of the major bush administration policies. if you believe that thesis, i am wondering about how different things would be under a republican administration. essentially, is there a fairly unified foreign policy right now among both parties, or do you see real difference is? >> it is a great question. first, i want to say that the president clearly announced what he was going to do during the campaign. it was not always whatever bush did, but he made it clear that he was going to, unlike p
we have intensified activities in afghanistan. we got some operational results and we are on a draw down there. i think he has handled and worked his way through this pretty well. we need to be looking long-term as the united states. we need to strengthen our economy. we need to bring jobs and prosperity back to america because ultimately america's strength and influence in the world rests more on our economy than it does on the men and women in uniform. >> analyst will say that a number...
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Jun 9, 2011
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host: back to afghanistan. we have a tweet. speak to us about the strength of the security forces, how strong the government itself might be becoming in afghanistan. as soon as we're out, the taliban is going to come back. what you think? guest: they are making great progress against the talbot and i think that is true from an operational perspective. -- they are making great progress against the taliban. they are having trouble recruiting. there will probably be a significant military clashes this summer as the taliban tries to reassert itself. right now, the talbot is very much on the defensive. the question is what happens over the next three years. to the extent it continues before the u.s. withdraws most of its military forces, if that will become a more sustainable situation. that progress which is being made will carry through will fundamentally undermine their support and make it much more difficult for them to come back. that is a real question as to whether three years is enough time to do that. that will be one of th
host: back to afghanistan. we have a tweet. speak to us about the strength of the security forces, how strong the government itself might be becoming in afghanistan. as soon as we're out, the taliban is going to come back. what you think? guest: they are making great progress against the talbot and i think that is true from an operational perspective. -- they are making great progress against the taliban. they are having trouble recruiting. there will probably be a significant military clashes...
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Jul 1, 2011
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government would then afghanistan. -- within afghanistan. they are overseen eventually by the undersecretary for defense. >> i want to know who was in charge of the plan. so when you decide we're going to spend $500 million, $400 million -- i guess that is another question. how much is $17 billion, much of it will come from defense and, to that will come from state? >> i can speak for u.s. aid. i believe the request for u.s. aid assistance is around the $3 billion level. >> the president is asking for $17 billion in 2012 for reconstruction. does anybody here know how much of that is going to be under control of the defense department and a much is going to be under control of the state department? >> again, i can say $3 billion from u.s. aid, and possibly another $1 billion from the state department. but i cannot speak to the rest. >> is that from the defense department, mr. sedney? >> the department of defense budget and the subcommittee has funding for operations in afghanistan which include funding for the afghan security forces. about $1
government would then afghanistan. -- within afghanistan. they are overseen eventually by the undersecretary for defense. >> i want to know who was in charge of the plan. so when you decide we're going to spend $500 million, $400 million -- i guess that is another question. how much is $17 billion, much of it will come from defense and, to that will come from state? >> i can speak for u.s. aid. i believe the request for u.s. aid assistance is around the $3 billion level. >>...
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Jun 8, 2011
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ambassador to afghanistan. ryan crocker, a man and stellar record of service to seize an and speaks for himself. i joined the committee and recognize two members of his family who are joining him today, his niece, catherine, and the dedicated woman that is then by his side ever since they were young officers working together in baghdad, ryan's wife christine. i understand the challenges of being a foreign service as koppell, and i know that ryan could not have enjoyed many successes atop the support of christine. they make the task of introducing ambassador crocker quite easy. the u.s. senate has had the wisdom to approve him to the post five times already in lebanon, kuwait, syria, pakistan, and iraq, and this is only a fraction of ambassador crocker's story. when the u.s. embassy in beirut was bombed, ryan crocker was a young officer who helped pull colleagues from the rubble. when the united states needed to reopen our missing afghanistan after the taliban was driven from power, the secretary of state sent r
ambassador to afghanistan. ryan crocker, a man and stellar record of service to seize an and speaks for himself. i joined the committee and recognize two members of his family who are joining him today, his niece, catherine, and the dedicated woman that is then by his side ever since they were young officers working together in baghdad, ryan's wife christine. i understand the challenges of being a foreign service as koppell, and i know that ryan could not have enjoyed many successes atop the...
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Jan 5, 2011
01/11
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, in afghanistan. i think there was a reticence in those days to do anything that would appear to be to expansive, appear to be to war making, put our troops at risk. we knew he had troops in john karr. and but we did not put troops on the ground or invade -- had troops in kandahar. but we did not put troops on the ground or invade. certainly, we know in the pre let --re-9/11 days at the cow to this was made not to go after him as aggressively as we did after 9/11. host: we could see some changes in the next two or three days in pakistan. also, we are discussing the impact in afghanistan and iran the world. john is joining us. it could morning. -- are relatively world. john is joining us. good morning. caller: the government has been working on the geopolitical strategy for decades. all they seem to have done is taken us from one unnecessary war to the next from vietnam to present day, afghanistan, and all in between. could you please tell me if you think there should be a thinking geopolitical strateg
, in afghanistan. i think there was a reticence in those days to do anything that would appear to be to expansive, appear to be to war making, put our troops at risk. we knew he had troops in john karr. and but we did not put troops on the ground or invade -- had troops in kandahar. but we did not put troops on the ground or invade. certainly, we know in the pre let --re-9/11 days at the cow to this was made not to go after him as aggressively as we did after 9/11. host: we could see some...
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Jun 6, 2011
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>> i want to turn to afghanistan, please. how concerned are you by reports that the obama administration may be considering a faster draw down than had previously been envisioned, related in part to the death of osama bin laden? and how would you characterize the relationship right now between isaf and president karzai? >> and between? >> nato and president karzai, isaf, the relationship with the president. thanks. >> first, on the draw down. actually, i am confident that all decisions to be taken by the u.s. president will take into account the security situation on the ground. and i feel confident that the u.s. will not take any decision that will have a negative impact on the security situation. we outlined a clear roadmap for transition to lead afghan responsibility at the nato summit in lisbon in november last year, and according to that roadmap we will start transition to lead afghan responsibility already next month in seven provinces and districts representing 25% of the afghan population. actually, a very significant
>> i want to turn to afghanistan, please. how concerned are you by reports that the obama administration may be considering a faster draw down than had previously been envisioned, related in part to the death of osama bin laden? and how would you characterize the relationship right now between isaf and president karzai? >> and between? >> nato and president karzai, isaf, the relationship with the president. thanks. >> first, on the draw down. actually, i am confident...
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Feb 18, 2011
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in afghanistan. the intent is clear. it is time to bring u.s. involvement in the war in afghanistan to an end and to bring our troops home. the war effort in afghanistan is no longer serving its purpose of enhancing the security of the united states, which should be our goal. we were attacked on 9/11 by al qaeda. al qaeda had bases in afghanistan. it made sense to go in and destroy those bases, and we did. we had every right. we had every duty to destroy bases which are being used to plot attacks against the united states. but the c.i.a. tells us there are now fewer than 100 al qaeda personnel in all of the country of afghanistan. congress and the american people helped greatly reduce u.s. involvement in iraq through the election in 2006 and 2008, we forced a new direction in iraq and helped bring thousands of troops home. we must now do the same in afghanistan. the intent of this amendment is to reduce the funding for afghanistan sufficiently to leave enough funds to provide for the safe and orderly
in afghanistan. the intent is clear. it is time to bring u.s. involvement in the war in afghanistan to an end and to bring our troops home. the war effort in afghanistan is no longer serving its purpose of enhancing the security of the united states, which should be our goal. we were attacked on 9/11 by al qaeda. al qaeda had bases in afghanistan. it made sense to go in and destroy those bases, and we did. we had every right. we had every duty to destroy bases which are being used to plot...
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May 3, 2011
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and his last assignment was in afghanistan assigned in kabul, afghanistan. during his career, he earned the bronze star, purple heart, the air force combat action medal, defense herer tos you service medal, the air medal, a leaf cluster, the air force commendation medal, one oak leaf cluster, the air force achievement medal, the air force outstanding unit and second oak leaf cluster, combat readiness medal, the global war on terrorism expeditionary medal, the korean defense service medal, the afghan campaign medal, the air force rib been, the air force expeditionary service ribbon and the air force longevity service with three oak leaf clusters and finally the air force training ribbon. . somebody who served long and did a fabulous job serving the united states of america. and lieutenant bryant is survived by his wife, janice, his son, sean, his father, frank , and his mother, patricia bryant. we are a deep -- we owe a deep debt of gratitude to his family and also to colonel bryant for their service to this country and of course for the ultimate sacrifice th
and his last assignment was in afghanistan assigned in kabul, afghanistan. during his career, he earned the bronze star, purple heart, the air force combat action medal, defense herer tos you service medal, the air medal, a leaf cluster, the air force commendation medal, one oak leaf cluster, the air force achievement medal, the air force outstanding unit and second oak leaf cluster, combat readiness medal, the global war on terrorism expeditionary medal, the korean defense service medal, the...
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Aug 30, 2011
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, especially western afghanistan. by all measures, that is a good thing. it's a good thing for the people of afghanistan, it's a good thing for the people of iran, and it's a good thing for the prospects of peace and democracy. if that is going on back and forth, especially if we have a democratic country in afghanistan. that's the first thing. the second thing, i am limited to a degree in what i can say, but it is troubling, some of the weapons we have found in afghanistan and some of the munitions we found in afghanistan that clearly have their source -- and this is nothing the generals have not said -- it is troubling and that's all i'm going to say on that. >> and do we have a final question? go for it. >> my question is, when we come back and ask for security from the international community, like indians are working and other nations are there, what they're asking many people now is what guarantee can you give them a for their safety? >> what i would say is the fact that they are asking that question is a sign o
, especially western afghanistan. by all measures, that is a good thing. it's a good thing for the people of afghanistan, it's a good thing for the people of iran, and it's a good thing for the prospects of peace and democracy. if that is going on back and forth, especially if we have a democratic country in afghanistan. that's the first thing. the second thing, i am limited to a degree in what i can say, but it is troubling, some of the weapons we have found in afghanistan and some of the...
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Jun 7, 2011
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in afghanistan during the 1980's. in every case, it was mostly because the people we were working with in the country's, whether it was the people fighting the taliban, were people who were very good at fighting our enemies, and also people who supported what they were doing to the sale of drugs. the cia turned a blind eye to this sort of thing. even if the cia had been squeaky clean, the drugs still would have ended up in the united states. if they had never been involved, crack cocaine would have showed up a few weeks or months later. beyond that, certain drugs need to be treated differently. marijuana is a drug. you should not use it as a youngster or get behind a car and drive. for most people, it is relatively less dangerous than the vast majority of the other drugs. most people do not get addicted to it and those that do get their addiction behind other drugs. most people do not overdose from marijuana. people who have been addicted to street here when and are not able to quit through a drug program or who got m
in afghanistan during the 1980's. in every case, it was mostly because the people we were working with in the country's, whether it was the people fighting the taliban, were people who were very good at fighting our enemies, and also people who supported what they were doing to the sale of drugs. the cia turned a blind eye to this sort of thing. even if the cia had been squeaky clean, the drugs still would have ended up in the united states. if they had never been involved, crack cocaine would...
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Feb 7, 2011
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still, afghanistan was not a major supplier. "national geographic" did a story on afghanistan and poppies in 1986. at that time, afghanistan supplied 18% or 19%. i remember looking at the story and thinking, how could it be in 1986 that afghanistan was a minor player, and it is now a major player, providing more than 90%? when the soviets invaded afghanistan, that closed off a lot of their other opportunities for agriculture. they had been growing pistachios, almonds, melons, grapes. neighboring countries began to shut down -- began to eradicate their cultivation of copies -- poppies. the afghanistan farmers realize they had no market for other crops. drug smugglers realized they had no place to grow opium, so they came to afghanistan. the taliban is more responsible for making it a cash crop than any other factor. host: we are looking at some images courtesy of "national geographic" by his partner in the project, the photographer. this is an image of the region you are in and reporting from. you write that the greatest factor i
still, afghanistan was not a major supplier. "national geographic" did a story on afghanistan and poppies in 1986. at that time, afghanistan supplied 18% or 19%. i remember looking at the story and thinking, how could it be in 1986 that afghanistan was a minor player, and it is now a major player, providing more than 90%? when the soviets invaded afghanistan, that closed off a lot of their other opportunities for agriculture. they had been growing pistachios, almonds, melons, grapes....
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Jun 30, 2011
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on where in afghanistan you are. my experience is mostly in the east. i only have a little bit of experience in the south. the south has a lot of open combat. a lot of the headquarters for the taliban. in the east, it depends on where you are. the provinces just south of kabul, where they used to have strong relationships with kabul, a lot of traffic moving between i.e.d. galleries where coalition troops and a large coalition presence is trying hard to lock those provinces down to protect kabul. every step they take, they are threatened by i.e.d.s' that are killing native troops and afghans every year. as we move closer to the border and you head southeast toward pakistan and places like the paktika province, the threat there is not so much ied's. the terrain is rough and it is mountainous. the coalition troops and the taliban move on foot. the coalition also has helicopters that can get them between mountaintops. once they get off of the helicopters, they are back to walking around on that. ied's are lot less useful
on where in afghanistan you are. my experience is mostly in the east. i only have a little bit of experience in the south. the south has a lot of open combat. a lot of the headquarters for the taliban. in the east, it depends on where you are. the provinces just south of kabul, where they used to have strong relationships with kabul, a lot of traffic moving between i.e.d. galleries where coalition troops and a large coalition presence is trying hard to lock those provinces down to protect...
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Jul 13, 2011
07/11
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i could see afghanistan. if the two and $9 a week that we were spending -- imagines -- 2 $1 million a week that we are spending -- a match and if that was given to the states. if we can spend nine years at two hundred million dollars a week, all we can afford to put that in our economy. guest: my comment on that statement would be that once we did commit to sending u.s. troops to iraq and afghanistan we owe it to them to support them in any way that we can. when you're talking about how much the wars are costing one it is in terms of assistance, or the support for our troops, it is important to separate the mission from what the operations are costing and trying to get folks back home. . host: next up is buford, county, south carolina. caller: thank you. thank you to the viewers who keep us informed. i am a small farmer. it is hard for me because of the economy and the jobs, and if it was not for my father, my grandfather, a world war two veteran, i would not know where i was -- would be for this military. mi
i could see afghanistan. if the two and $9 a week that we were spending -- imagines -- 2 $1 million a week that we are spending -- a match and if that was given to the states. if we can spend nine years at two hundred million dollars a week, all we can afford to put that in our economy. guest: my comment on that statement would be that once we did commit to sending u.s. troops to iraq and afghanistan we owe it to them to support them in any way that we can. when you're talking about how much...
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May 18, 2011
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they will try to be in afghanistan -- and they were trying to be in afghanistan and were thrown out. we need to stay focused oour national interests. our national interests have reached the point where we turn this over to the afghanis. it does not mean we're leaving the region. it does not mean this is not a strategic region to us. it does nomean we do not have ties. it is time for them to step up to the plate. host: your first phone call. senator udall. caller: two months ago, i was in kandahar. i spent the last several years in iraq and afghanistan as a civilian contractor. as yogi berra used to say, it ain't over till it's over. we're going to have to have a substantial political, military, economic presence in that part of the world for some years to come. we cannot afford to quit the scene too early. host: before you go on, why were you in that area? caller: i'm a contractor. host: what about your experience there makes you have this opinion? caller: because the situation is so fluid, so delicate. there are so many different parties involved. the insurgency is thoroughly entren
they will try to be in afghanistan -- and they were trying to be in afghanistan and were thrown out. we need to stay focused oour national interests. our national interests have reached the point where we turn this over to the afghanis. it does not mean we're leaving the region. it does not mean this is not a strategic region to us. it does nomean we do not have ties. it is time for them to step up to the plate. host: your first phone call. senator udall. caller: two months ago, i was in...
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Oct 6, 2011
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many veterans came back from iraq and afghanistan supporting my candidacy. one area where i am very pleased to announce also, that if you add up all the donations to all the other republican candidates from military active- duty people, i get twice as much because they are sick and tired of these wars and they know they are not working out. one man came the other day. he was practically in tears and talking about all his buddies that he lost in afghanistan. now it is something nobody cares about. it is hardly written about. his buddy committed suicide because of the long-term consequences. what about the 8500 who died, the 40,000 severely injured, hundreds of thousands begging and pleading for help of the veterans administration and we want to go and start more wars? what did gates say when he left the defense department? he said anybody who wants to start another war in these conditions needs their head examined. we need our heads opened up. we need our brains opened up. we need to pay little attention to what is going on. that is where we really need. that
many veterans came back from iraq and afghanistan supporting my candidacy. one area where i am very pleased to announce also, that if you add up all the donations to all the other republican candidates from military active- duty people, i get twice as much because they are sick and tired of these wars and they know they are not working out. one man came the other day. he was practically in tears and talking about all his buddies that he lost in afghanistan. now it is something nobody cares...
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Aug 25, 2011
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troops are paying for over in afghanistan. thank you. host: some of the other front- page items here today. "washington post" lead story, focus turns to finding gaddafi. 1.7 million-dollar bounty. a shot of repair a, republican presidential candidate in "the washington times." we have maybe about 15 minutes left t the phones segment. we will get some other news out for you. talking about the release of dick cheney that a more. simon and schuster doing t publishing. coming out next week. some of the details are coming out in several publications, including "the new york times." again, the headline says "cheney says he urged bush to bombs syria." did not have any support in the room when the queion came up. lots more detail. texas has been hanging on. spot on the republican line. caller: good morning, steve. i believe dick cheney was and is a no-nonsense unapologetic liberty loving patriot. and we as a nation were very fortunate to have this man post 9/11. i can't wait for the book. i believed the same tng about donald rumsfeld. the leftat
troops are paying for over in afghanistan. thank you. host: some of the other front- page items here today. "washington post" lead story, focus turns to finding gaddafi. 1.7 million-dollar bounty. a shot of repair a, republican presidential candidate in "the washington times." we have maybe about 15 minutes left t the phones segment. we will get some other news out for you. talking about the release of dick cheney that a more. simon and schuster doing t publishing. coming...
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Dec 19, 2011
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but reconciliation has to be part of the long term process in afghanistan, if afghanistan is going to evolve into a peaceful country. >> i understand that. obviously, there has not been much outside the presence inside afghanistan. the director told me a year or two alone -- ago there were less than 100 cockeyed operatives. -- al-qaeda operatives. that we were focused on defeating taliban insurgents, taliban fighters. i understand this ultimately is some kind of reconciliation, i just wonder if the language is regrettable." the language is taken out of context, as i explained. -- >> the language is taken out of context, as i explained. we went into a canister and after september 11, 20001. we are there alternately to stabilize afghanistan and to defeat al-qaeda or other terrorists to have as their aim attacks on the united states, to not establish a foothold in the country. so, what is completely clear is that afghanistan's future has to include reconciliation, and that is why we support the afghan government-led effort there. >> president lee has received criticism in his country for
but reconciliation has to be part of the long term process in afghanistan, if afghanistan is going to evolve into a peaceful country. >> i understand that. obviously, there has not been much outside the presence inside afghanistan. the director told me a year or two alone -- ago there were less than 100 cockeyed operatives. -- al-qaeda operatives. that we were focused on defeating taliban insurgents, taliban fighters. i understand this ultimately is some kind of reconciliation, i just...
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Jun 23, 2011
06/11
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there is no military solution in afghanistan. and in a world where terrorism can eminate from the tribal regions of yemen or hotel room in germany, we cannot adequately address these challenges through a boots on the ground strategy. it is clear that occupying states and nation building doesn't make for effective counterterrorism and the financial and human costs for continuing this war are indefensible. with over 1,600 troops killed and more seriously wounded in afghanistan, the human toll continues to mount each ander day. we need to bring our troops home and use the savings for our economic challenges here at home especially for job and i have amendments to end funding operations for combat in afghanistan and provide funding for the protection and safe and orderly withdrawal of our young men and women as quickly as possible. and i urge members to support this amendment. aisle be offering an amendment to transfer $5 billion, which is in the pentagon -- now this is a $5 billion -- may i have two more minutes? mr. dicks: yield tw
there is no military solution in afghanistan. and in a world where terrorism can eminate from the tribal regions of yemen or hotel room in germany, we cannot adequately address these challenges through a boots on the ground strategy. it is clear that occupying states and nation building doesn't make for effective counterterrorism and the financial and human costs for continuing this war are indefensible. with over 1,600 troops killed and more seriously wounded in afghanistan, the human toll...
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Aug 4, 2011
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>> with respect to just out of afghanistan, with respect to the threats growing in afghanistan clearly we had some expectation that they would move to these spectacular assassinations, and we do not dismiss them. they're very serious threats in that regard. the taliban suffered pretty significantly last year. they no longer in many places on the battle space, and we expect that to continue, and that is what they have moved to and we're working hard to protect our forces and also provide enhanced security for the senior afghan officials which are targeted here. and the second part of the question? >> india -- >> as you know, i have felt for a long time this is a regional issue. you talk about south asia. it is a south asian and regional challenge that all countries have the united states has vital interests in the region, so that the countries that live there, and we'll have to continue to work to address these challenges or they will get worse. i am encouraged specifically with the discussions between pakistan and india in recent weeks and months. at least if i understand both governme
>> with respect to just out of afghanistan, with respect to the threats growing in afghanistan clearly we had some expectation that they would move to these spectacular assassinations, and we do not dismiss them. they're very serious threats in that regard. the taliban suffered pretty significantly last year. they no longer in many places on the battle space, and we expect that to continue, and that is what they have moved to and we're working hard to protect our forces and also provide...
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Jan 24, 2011
01/11
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forces afghanistan. facility is a critical component of the reconstruction of the afghanistan security forces or the building of the afghanistan security forces. since 2005, $11.4 billion has been made available or is intended for the security forces infrastructure. much of this money has come by way of operations since 2005 -- by way of operations since 2005 to 2010, and will also $7 billion of the money is appropriated or will have been appropriated between 20 to one in 2012. and -- between 2010 and 2012. and 10 of the audits have been focused on addressing infrastructure projects. they have essentially covered the afghanistan national army,, pants for the afghanistan national police, -- compounds for the afghanistan national police, and the reconstruction effort under the emergency response program. ily to provide immediate assistance to the population of afghanistan. we have over 90 investigations under way involving infrastructure. they can be categorized in areas of bribery, country fraud, faulty c
forces afghanistan. facility is a critical component of the reconstruction of the afghanistan security forces or the building of the afghanistan security forces. since 2005, $11.4 billion has been made available or is intended for the security forces infrastructure. much of this money has come by way of operations since 2005 -- by way of operations since 2005 to 2010, and will also $7 billion of the money is appropriated or will have been appropriated between 20 to one in 2012. and -- between...
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May 26, 2011
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afghanistan has been a challenge. i was in paris to see that in the last 12-15 months, the number of afghanistan people populating the government is 60%. that does not mean every one of the 60% is competent, but it is another level. another thing i heard that was encouraging is that governors in afghanistan are able to travel by road to meetings. previously, they would go by helicopter because they would be afraid of encountering a roadside bomb. now the district governors are moving by road. that is one indication of headway. obviously, there is a long way to go. let's go over here and we will go to the back of the brown. jason will be after this gentleman over here. >> i am with the office of richard lugar. the shin certification -- the senator has concerns that the vital needs of afghanistan are being overlooked. how is your operation securing those needs? >> i am not sure how capital and money out ways our national security. -- outweighs our national security. that is for the senior leadership to answer that quest
afghanistan has been a challenge. i was in paris to see that in the last 12-15 months, the number of afghanistan people populating the government is 60%. that does not mean every one of the 60% is competent, but it is another level. another thing i heard that was encouraging is that governors in afghanistan are able to travel by road to meetings. previously, they would go by helicopter because they would be afraid of encountering a roadside bomb. now the district governors are moving by road....
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Oct 5, 2011
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get out of afghanistan. the costs in blood and treasure have been too high. 10 years is more than enough. after 10 years it's time to come home. i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: thank you. the gentleman yields back. the chair recognizes the gentleman from alabama, mr. bonner, for five minutes. mr. bonner: i ask unanimous consent to address the house and to revise and extend. the speaker pro tempore: yes, you may proceed. the gentleman is recognized. mr. bonner: madam speaker, while the long-term unemployment is now worse than at anytime since the great depression and americans in growing numbers are becoming more and more concerned about the direction their country is heading, one thing that is uniting americans is the realization that their federal government is unnecessarily getting in the way of the job creators. both small and large businesses alike. by tying their hands, the hands of employers with bureaucratic red tape and over-the-top unnecessary and often duplicative regu
get out of afghanistan. the costs in blood and treasure have been too high. 10 years is more than enough. after 10 years it's time to come home. i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: thank you. the gentleman yields back. the chair recognizes the gentleman from alabama, mr. bonner, for five minutes. mr. bonner: i ask unanimous consent to address the house and to revise and extend. the speaker pro tempore: yes, you may proceed. the gentleman is recognized. mr. bonner:...
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Jun 29, 2011
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caller: i want to comment on the new york president from afghanistan. afghanistan. they're not going to protect their own country with that kind of money. guest: i am not sure it is $200 per month is the appropriate salary. if i were in afghanistan, i 2000 peress 200,000 - month is a pretty good salary. are these individuals committed to the government and the organizations and structures that they put in place? if what is accurate, and these individuals are not willing to stand and fight, it means they are not committed to the organizations and government. host: the next calller is on the democratic line. caller: it seems you were on the intelligence committee when you were in the house. you spent 10 years and did not get osama bin laden. what is killing you is president obama said he would get him before he got elected into office and he did. is it true you were a lobbyist for libya? guest: no, i am not a lobbyist for libya. for libya. and it does not kill me at all. i and grilled. m thrilled. i made the decision to leave congress, and then i made the decision to
caller: i want to comment on the new york president from afghanistan. afghanistan. they're not going to protect their own country with that kind of money. guest: i am not sure it is $200 per month is the appropriate salary. if i were in afghanistan, i 2000 peress 200,000 - month is a pretty good salary. are these individuals committed to the government and the organizations and structures that they put in place? if what is accurate, and these individuals are not willing to stand and fight, it...
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Aug 10, 2011
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good evening in afghanistan. i am honored to introduce the commander of the international assistance force, also known as isap. u.s. marine corps general john allen. he took command three weeks ago. he commands a multinational coalition of troops drawn from 48 troop-contributing nations. he joins us from his headquarters in kabul. the general will have some opening comments and he will take your questions. i will turn things over to you. thanks. ladies and gentlemen, thank you for taking the time today to discuss our nation's efforts in afghanistan. you know last friday night we lost 30 american service members when a helicopter went down. we're saddened by the loss of these magnificent americans. these magnificent americans. we honor their courage , duty, and sacrifice. we offer our eternal gratitude for of the defense of our people. this was a difficult military campaign. this was a singular incident in a broader conflict in which we're making important strides and considerable progress. we face challenges ahea
good evening in afghanistan. i am honored to introduce the commander of the international assistance force, also known as isap. u.s. marine corps general john allen. he took command three weeks ago. he commands a multinational coalition of troops drawn from 48 troop-contributing nations. he joins us from his headquarters in kabul. the general will have some opening comments and he will take your questions. i will turn things over to you. thanks. ladies and gentlemen, thank you for taking the...
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May 30, 2011
05/11
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in afghanistan. around half of americans killed or injured in afghanistan are victims of improvised explosive devices. the pentagon says about 1300 are discovered either -- discovered every month by a blowing up or being discovered beforehand. that does not count the ones no one ever sees. you're talking about tens of thousands of a bewildering variety, some which are very hard to detect, killing hundreds of american troops per year. there would be many more of we were not spending billions of dollars on these trucks. as it stands, even the survivors suffer long-term consequences, besides the trauma injuries, brain injuries are a huge problem now. i read something like 25,000 american troops have been concussed and suffered brain injuries in afghanistan. most of those are since the ied scourged picked up in the last few months. it's a major reason why the coalition cannot fully control provinces close to kabul, where they have the most troops. it is extremely difficult just to get between two. in afg
in afghanistan. around half of americans killed or injured in afghanistan are victims of improvised explosive devices. the pentagon says about 1300 are discovered either -- discovered every month by a blowing up or being discovered beforehand. that does not count the ones no one ever sees. you're talking about tens of thousands of a bewildering variety, some which are very hard to detect, killing hundreds of american troops per year. there would be many more of we were not spending billions of...
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Apr 20, 2011
04/11
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we had afghanistan in our heads. we had a number of about 20,000 and we had hundreds of thousands who were volunteering. in retrospect, that recommendation to take volunteers was not a good one. the reason being when we enter iraq we needed significantly more reservists. and out of fairness we determined that those would serve already would not serve a second tour until everyone had served a first tour. again, makes good sense. but the result of that was that the a unit that was to be deployed might have had 20%, 30% of its folks already deployed. so they stayed home and we had to go to another unit to fill in those spaces. over time two units replacing one game four units replacing one, became eight units replacing one. and it all goes back to the original premise that we would take volunteer reservists in afghanistan. and i was certainly one of the voices that was supportive of that. in retrospect, not a good idea. next, in afghanistan, there was a great deal of discussion amongst the u.s., the afghan government an
we had afghanistan in our heads. we had a number of about 20,000 and we had hundreds of thousands who were volunteering. in retrospect, that recommendation to take volunteers was not a good one. the reason being when we enter iraq we needed significantly more reservists. and out of fairness we determined that those would serve already would not serve a second tour until everyone had served a first tour. again, makes good sense. but the result of that was that the a unit that was to be deployed...
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Jun 30, 2011
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troops wounded in iraq and afghanistan. he has called on the government to -- and the private sector to spend more on victims of posttraumatic stress disorder and get them some help. he is a star who moonlights as a soldier's advocate. our speaker has questioned his own industry at times while producing films our -- producing films that portray our troops- w in a negative light. in a film about soldiers on the front lines in iraq and among his many awards and honors, he is a recipient of the presidential award of freedom, one of only two actors to get that and 110 people in our nation's history. he also received the medal of honor bob hope excellence in entertainment award and the harry s. truman good neighbor award. as co-founder of operation international children, he has provided school supplies to hundreds of thousands of children were u.s. troops are deployed. here today to discuss his plans to help veterans and fallen soldiers as well as their families, please welcome mr. gary sinise. [applause] >> thank you. i can cu
troops wounded in iraq and afghanistan. he has called on the government to -- and the private sector to spend more on victims of posttraumatic stress disorder and get them some help. he is a star who moonlights as a soldier's advocate. our speaker has questioned his own industry at times while producing films our -- producing films that portray our troops- w in a negative light. in a film about soldiers on the front lines in iraq and among his many awards and honors, he is a recipient of the...
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Jun 7, 2011
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iraq, putting aside afghanistan? anything comparable? >> only in afghanistan. maag going from 8000 up to 17 -- up to 70,000 civilians? >> that is double counting. -- >> going from 8000 up to 17,000 civilians. >> it is double counting. it represents the aggregate of some of the other numbers -- >> i understand. but that is more than doubling to what is about to get to. those numbers seem to me to be very different than anything else does the department is doing, putting aside afghanistan for the moment. so, when i look at the things that you are trying to hold onto that work in the past, i don't understand why the difference is a more significant than the similarities. i wanted to ask you just a couple of questions from your statement, the contracts and you have let for the transitions and directed a consulate, some construction contracts. ian was representative. is there an officer assigned to the contract? where are they located? >> basra. >> they are forward located. are forf our cor's located? >> do you know what
iraq, putting aside afghanistan? anything comparable? >> only in afghanistan. maag going from 8000 up to 17 -- up to 70,000 civilians? >> that is double counting. -- >> going from 8000 up to 17,000 civilians. >> it is double counting. it represents the aggregate of some of the other numbers -- >> i understand. but that is more than doubling to what is about to get to. those numbers seem to me to be very different than anything else does the department is doing,...
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Oct 27, 2011
10/11
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are you leaving a stable afghanistan or an unstable afghanistan. based on that, i in afghanistan would have to take my own countermeasures. this is important. if you leave afghanistan in an unstable condition or not a fully stable condition -- fully stable militarily and politically -- then i presume there are two possibilities in my personal analysis. either afghanistan goes back to 1989 fighting against each other, or it goes back to 1996 when it was the pashtun taliban on one side and the northern alliance -- on one side and the northern alliance on the other side. in either case, pakistan has to fend for itself. the adverse impact will be on pakistan. leaders in pakistan must think of securing pakistan. the united states must sit down with pakistan and discuss these issues. the second element, which need clarification -- i know there are indian sitting here. -- indians sitting here. he is a good friend of mine. my bluntness does not mean i am on popular in india. >> you were born in india. [laughter] >> yes. that is why i say india and pakistan
are you leaving a stable afghanistan or an unstable afghanistan. based on that, i in afghanistan would have to take my own countermeasures. this is important. if you leave afghanistan in an unstable condition or not a fully stable condition -- fully stable militarily and politically -- then i presume there are two possibilities in my personal analysis. either afghanistan goes back to 1989 fighting against each other, or it goes back to 1996 when it was the pashtun taliban on one side and the...
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Feb 14, 2011
02/11
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mission in afghanistan. our corporation is a global provider of power, water, communications, and other infrastructure. as part of the worldwide reach, the company proudly supported u.s. government projects for more than 90 years. since august 2006 as a partner in the group black and veatch venture, we assisted the client in develops essential energy infrastructure in order to improve the economy and quality of life for the people of afghanistan. from 2006 until today, total megawatts of power generation available for afghanistan have more than doubled, and us aid projects contributed to 90% of that increase. in december 2010, us-aid awarded them a separate contract for the helmond project for distribution in the south for the support of u.s. government policy. working in support of the mission to increase energy delivery to afghan's people and with afghan government organizations, black and veatch's dedicated professionals has successes. we provided advice to the government in negotiating power agreements w
mission in afghanistan. our corporation is a global provider of power, water, communications, and other infrastructure. as part of the worldwide reach, the company proudly supported u.s. government projects for more than 90 years. since august 2006 as a partner in the group black and veatch venture, we assisted the client in develops essential energy infrastructure in order to improve the economy and quality of life for the people of afghanistan. from 2006 until today, total megawatts of power...
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Dec 14, 2011
12/11
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it's way past time to bring our troops home from afghanistan. i can't authorize anymore funding that doesn't explicitly call on the president to plan and carry out the accelerated removal of our troops. bring them home, mr. president. bring them all home now. i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the chair recognizes the gentleman from texas, mr. flooris, for five minutes. there flooris n -- mr. floris: thank you, mr. speaker. i rise today to congratulate a constituent of texas district 17. his name is robert griffin iii of waco, texas, he's the recipient of the 2011 heisman trophy -- memorial trophy. the son of two u.s. army sergeants, archie three, epitomizes -- rg 3. epitomizes what it is to be a role model for all americans. during the baylor bears 2011 season, he threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 45 touchdowns. his 7 % completion rate placed him among the most accurate passer in the nation. and only player in the country had a had at least 3,00 passing yards and 300 rushing yards. he's only one of three players in the
it's way past time to bring our troops home from afghanistan. i can't authorize anymore funding that doesn't explicitly call on the president to plan and carry out the accelerated removal of our troops. bring them home, mr. president. bring them all home now. i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the chair recognizes the gentleman from texas, mr. flooris, for five minutes. there flooris n -- mr. floris: thank you, mr. speaker. i rise today to congratulate a constituent...
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Mar 30, 2011
03/11
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troops for afghanistan. we can generate today, for example, off of libya, there are 40 ships operating. only about 12 from the united states. the rest from our european allies. why is that? because we are embedded with them and operate with them. i would say geography, mutual training and the benefits of that and finally the ability to leverage these forces forward are three very strong advantages. >> let me ask you about one other thing. you mentioned today nato takes over the libyan operation. are the rules of engagement clear? i think we all assume that if an airplane gets up in the sky, a libyan airplane, if will be shot down. if a tank moves, it seems like the tank is taken out. but it's not clear to me if there are a group of libyan government soldiers massing together what our reaction to that. so i guess my question is, are the rules of engagement clear? what can you tell us about them? and in a nato context, are they determined by the least common denominator or who sets them? >> terrific question.
troops for afghanistan. we can generate today, for example, off of libya, there are 40 ships operating. only about 12 from the united states. the rest from our european allies. why is that? because we are embedded with them and operate with them. i would say geography, mutual training and the benefits of that and finally the ability to leverage these forces forward are three very strong advantages. >> let me ask you about one other thing. you mentioned today nato takes over the libyan...
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Nov 8, 2011
11/11
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they are operating throughout afghanistan. essentially down in the southwest corner, it was my privilege in 2010 to be the commanding general down there and lead the marines and our allied forces. our entire coalition is fighting in that part of the country. the marines down there are doing everything from a close combat y, to the westemy i near the border, but more importantly, the they are doing an awful lot of counterinsurgency operations, involving things like ensuring schools are up and running, and area or the country is important to the pashtuns who live there. we are helping the local government develop and expand influence. most important is our effort to train the afghan security forces, both of the police and army. we have mobile training teams that are out, looking at the very lowest levels. we also have training teams at the camps that involve training recruits -- the afghanistan army and the local police. we are operating across the entire spectrum. there has been significant success in the southwest. it is an ar
they are operating throughout afghanistan. essentially down in the southwest corner, it was my privilege in 2010 to be the commanding general down there and lead the marines and our allied forces. our entire coalition is fighting in that part of the country. the marines down there are doing everything from a close combat y, to the westemy i near the border, but more importantly, the they are doing an awful lot of counterinsurgency operations, involving things like ensuring schools are up and...